Assistant Director of Communications & Public Relations

Assistant Director of Communications & Public Relations

Job Posting: JR101344 Assistant Director of Communications & Public Relations (Open)

Department:
Marketing & Communications, PM

Position Type:
Regular

Open Date: 09-29-2025

Close Date:
Open

Salary: $80,000-$92,000

Job Description

The Assistant Director of Communications & Public Relations, reporting to the Director of Communications, is a strategic and hands-on communicator responsible for managing and elevating Bowie State University’s public image through comprehensive media relations and proactive storytelling. This role partners with the Vice President for Marketing & Communications and other university stakeholders to craft messaging that aligns with the institution’s brand, mission, and strategic priorities.

This position leads all aspects of public relations and media outreach, serving as the primary point of contact for journalists and external media partners. Responsibilities include developing and executing a university-wide PR strategy, maintaining an annual editorial calendar, and curating lists of media outlets and SMEs to ensure timely, relevant, and impactful communication. The role oversees the creation and distribution of press releases, media statements, and key messages, while managing media inquiries, scheduling interviews, and preparing university leadership, faculty and other subject matter experts for press engagements.

The Assistant Director will contribute to internal communication efforts, such as content planning and creation for the BSYou newsletter, ensuring faculty, staff, and students are informed and engaged.

This is a full-time role with the expectation that additional hours, including nights and weekends, may be necessary to meet deadlines, manage crisis situations, support special events, and lead communications initiatives during peak periods.

• Public Relations:
  Create and maintain a university-wide public relations plan that aligns with institutional goals and brand positioning. Build and manage an annual PR and editorial calendar to ensure consistent and strategic communication. Develop and manage media lists, SME databases, and press kits to support outreach efforts. Manage media outreach and on-site press support for major events, announcements, and initiatives. Assist with VIP visits, press conferences, and special programs to maximize exposure.
• Media Relations:
  Serve as the primary contact for all media inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate responses. Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, and media partners to secure positive coverage. Proactively pitch stories and place university experts in relevant media conversations. Schedule interviews, prepare briefing materials, and provide media training support as needed. Ensure spokespeople are well-prepared and aligned with key messaging.
• Content Development & Messaging:
  Draft and distribute press releases, media statements, talking points, and feature stories. Oversee development of key messages for announcements, initiatives, and crisis situations. Contribute to internal communications, including content for the BSYou newsletter and campus updates.
• Crisis Communications:
  Assist with the university’s communications during crises or emergencies, crafting clear and transparent messages in coordination with senior leadership.
• Brand & Reputation Management:
  Contribute to positive brand development and regularly assess reputation, recommending strategies to increase brand awareness.
• PR Reporting & Metrics:
  Use tools such as Meltwater to track media coverage, measure impact, and analyze trends. Prepare regular reports for leadership with actionable insights to refine PR strategies.
• Collaboration:
  
  Work with the Division of Marketing & Communications and cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive messaging and integrated campaigns.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
• 5-8 years of Communications/PR experience, preferably in higher education or a similar field.
• Proven experience in crisis communications, including message development and media relations during sensitive…